Wonderful, Culturally Rich Events in SF
A new year is upon us, and we recommend staying active in the chilly months with fun events full of live journalism, performance art, and community-building activities! Even if you can’t make it out, many of the KQED programs can be live-streamed from the comfort of your own home too!
AND there are super fun free street parties, parades and art walks on the agenda as well!
So whether you want to play board games with new friends, learn how to cook delicious things, see great art or celebrate the Chinese new year, we’ve got you covered! Here are some wonderful, culturally significant events to put on your calendar and find like-minded San Franciscans this winter…
Fixit Clinic
In 2009, Peter Mui, a longtime champion of the Right to Repair movement, launched a Fixit Clinic in Berkeley. These volunteer-run pop-up workshops allow participants to teach each other how to mend broken appliances. Joined by the team behind KQED’s local news podcast The Bay, Mui helps us understand what’s so appealing about the Right to Repair movement, and discusses changes in California law requiring appliance and electronics manufacturers to give consumers the tools they need to fix their own stuff. The event will also include a hands-on workshop about how to fix your own broken objects!
1/22 | The Commons, KQED Headquarters | 2601 Mariposa St, SF | 7 p.m. | $18.67
Register for in-person or free livestream here.
Dungeons and Dragons Live with Forum and Games of Berkeley
Join KQED’s Forum and Games of Berkeley for a night of live Dungeons & Dragons gameplay!
Skilled Bay Area players and special guests bring a thrilling campaign to life onstage, weaving a story of mystery and daring strategy. Experience the storytelling and imagination that have made this role-playing game a cultural phenomenon.
Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or curious newcomer, discover how the magic of D&D continues to inspire new generations of players.
Tuesday, January 28, 2025 7:00 PM
The Commons, KQED Headquarters 2601 Mariposa Street, San Francisco
Register in Person or Livestream for FREE
SF First Thursday Art Walk
The First Thursday Art Walk is a monthly self-guided walking tour of Downtown San Francisco’s Tenderloin neighborhood and adjacent areas, during which time galleries, performance spaces, and other businesses hold their openings and other events which are open late to the public. Each month hosts a unique variety of events, with many regularly participating venues and many more occasional participants. A complete itinerary for each First Thursday can be found here on the day-of each month, or by following us on Instagram where we also promote the events in the weeks prior to the First Thursdays.
Thursday, Feb 6, 2025 5pm – 10pm
Tenderloin District, San Francisco
Info here
Downtown First Thursdays
DFT (Downtown First Thursdays) is a free monthly street party hosted in Downtown San Francisco taking place on every first Thursday of the month from 5pm to 10pm. Get ready for disco in the streets, DJs, live music, drag, fashion, street performances, and many other surprises still to be announced!
We’re giving Downtown a whole new makeover — think bigger, bolder, and oh-so daring.
Thursday, Feb 6, 2025 5pm – 10pm
Market Street & 2nd Street
RSVP for FREE here
Chinese New Year Parade Viewing Party
Join KQED Live and The Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco for an exclusive viewing party at the Portsmouth Square Bridge, where you’ll have a prime spot to enjoy the colorful and vibrant Chinese New Year’s Parade.
The party will feature special performances and local bites.
Don’t miss this unique experience, combining tradition, culture, and community spirit in the heart of Chinatown!
Saturday, February 15, 2025 4:00 PM
Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco 750 Kearny Street, 3rd Floor, San Francisco
Hella Asian: Bridging the Bay
The San Francisco Bay Area Chapter of the Asian American Journalists Association and KQED Live present an evening of storytelling and performances that reflect the experiences and creative voices of local Asian American and Pacific Islander journalists and storytellers.
The show’s performers will celebrate the diversity of the Bay Area and the AAPI community. The stories will bring their perspectives, imaginations, and expressive dynamism to the stage and center the unique intersections of AAPI identities that shape a Bay Area culture that is hella Asian.
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 7:00 PM
The Commons, KQED Headquarters 2601 Mariposa Street, San Francisco
In Person: $47.23 – $58.65 (fees included) / Livestream: $30.10 ($25 ticket + $5.10 fees)
Register in person Here
Register Live Stream Here
The Flavors of the Levant
Join KQED Live for a culinary journey through the vibrant flavors of the Middle East, featuring a dynamic panel with Chef Samir Mogannam, founder of Beit Rima, Chef Saif Makableh of Mazra, and Blanche Araj Shaheen, cooking instructor and host of Feast in The Middle East.
Transport your taste buds as they demo authentic dishes, while learning about the history, traditions, and ingredients that have shaped Levantine cuisine.
The evening includes a tasting experience, cooking demonstrations, and insightful discussions about the cultural significance behind each dish. If you’re a foodie or a culinary enthusiast, this event offers a flavorful tour of one of the world’s most ancient and popular cuisines.
Date and Time
Thursday, March 20, 2025 7:00 PM
The Commons, KQED Headquarters 2601 Mariposa Street, San Francisco
In Person: $24.38 ($20 ticket + $4.38 fees) / Livestream: Free
Register for in-person or live-stream here
This post was sponsored by the fine floks at KQED
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